Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying
Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Government of India Celebrated World Animal Day 2023
Animals are valuable to society and keep the ecological balance: Shri Parshottam Rupala
Our tradition and culture shows respect towards animals: Shri Rupala
The Animal Welfare Board of India , a statutory body of Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Government of India celebrated the World Animal Day 2023 at New Delhi today. The Union Minister of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Shri Parshottam Rupala and the Minister of State of Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Dr. Sanjeev Balyan graced the occasion. Dr. Abhijit Mitra, Animal Husbandry Commissioner and Dr. O.P. Chaudhary, Chairman AWBI were also present.
Union Minister Shri Rupala addressed the gathering and said that there are many traditions related to animals in the country which are valuable to the society. He called upon the need to bring out the traditional practices which shows the respect and attachment towards the animals. Shri Rupala emphasised on the value of the indigenous cow terming cow as the backbone of our rural economy. He called upon the need for better utilisation of the bye-products of cow dung and panchgavya. The Union Minister also gave away Prani Mitra and JeevDaya awards on the occasion.
Dr. Sanjeev Balyan in his address said that the balance between human and animals is very crucial and we all have to think about the co-existence of both in the society. Dr. Sanjeev Balyan said that some organizations are doing very good work for animals and called upon the need to take these works to the villages. On the problem of stray animals, he said that this is the responsibility of the entire society and sought public cooperation to deal with the matter.
The various speakers during the technical session discussed various issues of utmost importance pertaining to the issues of Waste to Wealth Innovative Technology, Sustainability and Shelter management of Gaushalas , Scientific facts on Panchgavya and managing issues of man-animal conflict by Shri Jayesh Parikh, Shri Girish J Shah, Prof. R.S. Chauhan and Adv. Smt. Manisha T Karia respectively. The eminent speakers encouraged everyone to participate in Animal Welfare Activities and spreading awareness and compassion for animals.
The event acknowledged the tireless efforts of individuals, organizations, and communities in the field of animal welfare. The details of the Awardees who were conferred the awards in various categories are as given below:-
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Sl. No.
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Category
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NAME OF AWARDEE / ORGANISATION
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1
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Prani Mitra Award – Individual
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Shri G. Ramakrishnan, Tiruchy, Tamilnadu
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2
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Prani Mitra Award – Innovative Idea 
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Dr. Smita N. Solanki, Maharashtra
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3
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Prani Mitra Award – Shaurya / Bravery 
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Shri Pradeep Kumar Patra, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh
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4
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Prani Mitra Award – Life Time Animal Service 
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Dr. Bathula Sanjeeva Rayudu, Kurnool, Andhra Pradesh
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5
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Prani Mitra Award – Animal Welfare Organization
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Shri Nashik Panchavati Panjarapole, Nashik, Maharashtra
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6
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Jeev Daya Award – Individual
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Shri Peeraram Dayal, Jalore, Rajasthan
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7
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Jeev Daya Award – Animal Welfare Organization
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Shree Dadu Paryavaran Sanasthan, Tonk, Rajasthan
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8
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Jeev Daya Award – Children 
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Shri Hitesh Chandrajeet Yadav, Mumbai, Maharashtra
Background:
World Animal Day celebrated globally on 4th October each year, provides an opportunity to recognize the remarkable diversity of life on Earth and the critical role that animals play in our ecosystems. The AWBI organised the event on this significant day collectively working towards a world where animals are not just protected but also cherished. Let's come together to make a difference and work towards a world where animals are respected, protected and cherished.